Cheap Frills

A few weeks ago, I happened upon an estate sale in the Highland Park area of Dallas.  The home was absolutely gorgeous, and in the entry hallway was a very large portrait of a beautiful woman in ice skater apparel striking a pose on ice.  As I moved in to the family room, there was a video playing depicting the life of an Olympic Speed Racing Skater and a pair of ice skates on display. 

It turns out I was in the home of Dorothy Franey Langkop who was an Olympic medalist in the 1932 and 1936 Olympics.  What a thrill to see her beautiful belongings on display.  I didn't have much time to linger or to ask a lot of questions, but to my knowlege, the proceeds from the estate were going to an Olympic charity. I did my own research and found a couple of photos on the internet of Ms Franey. Here she is, probably in the 1930's practicing her speed skating.

I found another photo of her online of her taken just a couple of months ago.  I believe she is in her 90's now. In the 50's she also took up figure-skating and skated at the beautiful Adolphus Hotel in Dallas.  I found this bit of info on the internet as well:

  'In 1932 Dorothy Franey won the Bronze Medal in Women’s Speed Skating. After winning the Bronze, she trained and became a figure skater. During the 40’s and 50’s she ran and performed in elaborate ice skating shows held 3 times daily at the Adolphus Hotel in Dallas, Texas. She eventually added ice shows in Mexico, Jamaica, and South America. Dorothy Franey Langkop was an avid and talented golfer as well.'

 

 

Wouldn't you love to sit and hear her stories?

I was so lucky to be able to purchase this beautiful rose necklace that belonged to Ms Franey.  It is such a beautiful, special piece of jewelry, and I'd love to find out where she lives now to show her that what was once hers is being worn and loved by me, and I will share her story to anyone who asks.